Congratulations!

In the glorious sunshine of Harrogate Spring Show last week, J Paxman Landscapes were deservedly proud to receive their equally glorious Gold Award for their Show Garden “Common Ground”.

Bagging the golden accolade for the second year running (last year taking Best in Show for their Garden for Gathering showpiece), Nathan Paxman who built and managed the 20 square metre garden project said:

“It’s been fantastic to be an integral part of the Show Garden experience at Harrogate again this year. It’s especially rewarding as the garden represents Family and Community in every element – just like our business.”

Nathan is the second generation at J Paxman Landscapes, founded by his father and director Justin. Nathan’s sister Evie supports the team with administration and took some of the stunning photography that really showcased the garden in all its glory. Youngest son Elliott was also part of the build and has joined the landscape team.

ITV and BBC coverage

During the Show, the garden played host to ITV and BBC reporter coverage, due in no small part to its welcoming appeal and inviting seating area in the woodland glade, around a fire pit, nestled under a light tree canopy, surrounded by hand-painted pebbles decorated by the community. The impressive mural backdrop really drew in the eye and piqued visitors’ interest. This reinforced the “together” theme of the garden, and was designed by local artist Serena Rogers and painted in collaboration with volunteers from the Elland-based Project Colt community hub.

Nathan and Justin played an active role in the panel debates at the Show, and were joined in the Garden itself by thousands of visitors, local dignitaries and supporters over the 4 day event. As members of the Association of Professional Landscapers, the team were able to speak to garden enthusiasts about the importance of using professional accredited contractors for domestic and commercial landscapes.

The garden was designed by FDA Landscape. The theme of the garden, beyond its social, family and community feel, was sustainability. This was perfectly reflected in its collaboration with its suppliers, including British Recycled Plastics for the parklet modular planters and JTD Building Supplies for the aggregates and timber.

The Garden’s forever home

There is no more fitting destination for the Show Garden than the Elland Project Colt community. Their hub and workshops are run by dedicated volunteers offering support and employability guidance for its drop-in visitors.

Serena Rogers, resident artist and mural designer for the garden said: “We’re so pleased for the community members that worked on this, the volunteers and attendees [of Project Colt] and participants in our art workshops.”

The modular planters will now be refilled with vegetables and herbs, forming a community space and extending its “common ground” theme into the garden’s next iteration.

The plants have also been carefully lifted, collected and replanted by Lepton Village Preservation Society, close to where J Paxman Landscapes are based near Huddersfield.

“Gaining the Gold Award is a great honour, but that’s not why we take part in these show garden builds.” states Justin, the company’s owner.

“The conversations we’ve had about how landscapes, planting and gardens are vital in creating welcoming, healthy and social spaces put everything into perspective.” He continues “Building a garden of this quality in just one week is no mean feat. It’s months in the planning, and can only come together in the build phase because of our supporters and supply partners – that community itself deserves every part of the success!”

Sponsors and Collaborators

• Association of Professional Landscapers
• FDA Landscape
• British Recycled Plastic
• JTD Building Supplies, Holmfirth
• Freddie Mcguire, Woodturner